Hello
Now I am here and I am on the way.
I am hopefully, going to be posting my progress as I move on, yet again, towards running regularly.
I have been this way before a few times, but this time is a tad different... this time I am running, as my post on C25K said with a companion. We have been together a while back, but this meeting is not really on I would have wished for. This time , my companion is holding me back, slowing me down.
But here we are... and on we go !
Okay... first things first...
Anxiety is normal... it is real... it is our body's alarm system and it kick- starts our body into action, to respond to danger...yes, the old fight or flight response!
So...knowing it is real is a real positive.
The f or f is very useful ( is it)? Yes...in the short term, but long term?
Uh oh , this is where it gets tricky, and when the f or f does not include any real physical danger or threat, it all starts to go a bit pear-shaped and this is what is happening right now to me.
Great to know the f and f works but... what happens if it doesn't need to, if we start to think harmless issues or events are dangerous...that is when the panic sets in and ka-pow... everything is suddenly really very frightening!
I want to get back to running, but right now, walking, even slowly, seems a step too far !
So, I am going to begin with making sure my body and my mind are in good fettle... I am going to make sure I have a gentle and steady exercise regime in place to start me moving again. Moving freely and without fear.
Today. It is perfectly simple...
I am thinking about my running... really thinking.
When I run, I focus on it and everything that surrounds me, I am mindful of the run, the location, the sights, sounds and sensations. If I do this, I am not open to distraction, to stress, I am aware of myself, and my body
Add all the physical benefits of running to this wonderful state of being... and I am strong.
So.... how to begin getting back to that position?
I need to learn first, how to relax...and my first exercise is so simple...
*
It can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. I did mine lying down.
Making sure I was very, very comfortable. (I have trouble lying completely flat, so I always have a pillow and something comfortable underneath me)
I start with my hands. I focus on them...
I notice how they feel on the surface at my side.
Are they hot, are they cold.
Do they feel tingly.
I try to focus on every bit of my hand from the fingertips, the inside of my palms and on the back of my palms right through to the wrist.
I move from my finger tips. Slowly and gently up my arms and neck to the top of my head.... then I gently and slowly move down my body, focusing on the physical sensations right down to my toes. I focus on each part of my body, even for just a short while until...by the time I reach my toes, my body feels heavy and weighted.
Totally relaxed. Totally peaceful and totally, still and calm.
Breathing is steady and easy.
*
Resting in this position until I feel ready to slowly and gently sit up and eventually make a move.
And that was enough. For today.
This may not seem like much...no high impact work, No lengthy session. But for me, right now today, it is enough. And today, I had a much better day than of late. Starting the day calm, was a good start and it coloured my day.
Tomorrow.... I shall repeat this... and my next exercise will follow.
Slow and steady steps to physical and mental health... I hope so .
Oldfloss xxx
PS
I do realise that many folk are not fortunate to have the time in the morning that I have ...but this exercise is one you can do at any time... at work... in a lunch break? Right up until bed time.
I realise also that for some folk this may seem a weird... Bu I have planned out a running route back to strength, and I intend following it x